There's only so much that one US Senator can do for their constituents. The state and local legislatures have a more immediate impact on the lives of the average resident.

In federal office, they have to work within the consensus of all their colleagues from other states. And without a federal trifecta, it's difficult to push a bold agenda. Especially when we're talking about progressive politicians, who have to work within a party that resists their policy proposals.

So I'm not sure how much you were expecting to tangibly change, or how much of that you can attribute to one Senator specifically.

But from my view, Van Hollen seems pretty genuine, he's consistent on what he stands for, and he's willing to help his constituents where he can. His heart is in the right place, and that puts him leagues ahead of most of his colleagues in my book. Even though he doesn't do much pandering just to make a name for himself; which, again, I view as being to his merit.